Moor than Meets the Eye: a lasting legacy for Dartmoor
Moor than Meets the Eye was a major Landscape Partnership scheme led by Dartmoor National Park Authority. Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, it brought together organisations and communities committed to Dartmoor’s future.
The programme
From 2014 to 2019, the programme helped people discover, celebrate and care for south-east Dartmoor’s rich natural, cultural and historic heritage.
Through 28 linked projects, Moor than Meets the Eye explored more than 4,000 years of Dartmoor’s landscape and people. Its work ranged from archaeology and wildlife conservation to community heritage, volunteering, education and skills development.
Its lasting impact
By bringing together residents, farmers, land managers, schools, visitors and partner organisations, the programme deepened understanding of the National Park and strengthened people’s connection to it.
A key part of the programme was the Dartmoor Story, an interpretation project that wove Dartmoor’s heritage, wildlife and culture into a compelling narrative.
Through digital resources, films, trails and educational materials, it showed how nature, and thousands of years of human activity, have shaped the National Park. Many of these resources still help people discover and understand the landscapes, history, wildlife and communities that make Dartmoor special.
One of the programme’s most enduring achievements was inspiring people to help conserve and celebrate Dartmoor. Through the Parishscapes project, community-led initiatives restored heritage features, uncovered forgotten stories, improved public spaces and strengthened local pride. Other conservation projects enhanced habitats and supported wildlife across the landscape.
Although the programme has ended, its legacy continues. Its research, conservation work, educational resources, restored heritage assets, trained volunteers and stronger partnerships still benefit Dartmoor. Many of the ideas, projects and relationships developed through Moor than Meets the Eye have also shaped later conservation, heritage and community initiatives across the National Park.
Moor than Meets the Eye demonstrated the power of partnership and revealed the depth of Dartmoor:
A landscape forged by nature, shaped by people and cared for by communities across past, present and future generations.
Discover the Dartmoor Story
Dartmoor is beautiful, wild, and full of incredible places to explore. The granite that forms it was produced, in the depths of the earth, over 300 million years ago, and humankind has shaped it over the last 10,000 years.
Together, they have made Dartmoor into a wonderful landscape, full of varied habitats, from wooded valleys and hay meadows to magnificent mires and the wild open moor.
More films and activities
If you’ve enjoyed this video, visit the Moor than Meets the Eye legacy YouTube channel for more educational films and activities.